The Chicago Bears have an even bigger test coming up after defeating the Green Bay Packers in the NFC's Wild Card Round. It'll be an old foe, Matthew Stafford, coming to visit Soldier Field in the NFC Divisional Round.
The Los Angeles Rams present a slew of problems for this Bears team, and with Chicago's defense giving up the fourth-most yards on defense per game during the regular season, they could be in for it.
Not so fast, though. The Bears have a couple of advantages coming their way, and Rams head coach Sean McVay just confirmed one that could be a major factor. In the Rams' playoff win over the Carolina Panthers, Stafford banged up a finger on his throwing hand; his index finger, to be exact.
McVay confirmed that Stafford's right index finger is sprained, but he'll be fine to play against the Bears.
Matthew Stafford's finger injury may very well impact the Bears-Rams Divisional Round playoff game
It is bad enough that he's got an injury on his throwing hand, but Stafford is going to be playing in frigid temperatures this weekend. Keeping his hands loose and warm is already going to be an issue, but you add in the fact that he has a sprain on one of those fingers, and that could be bad news for the Rams.
Ideally, for Los Angeles, he'll be able to tough it out. And, Bears fans wouldn't be surprised to see him play well through the pain. Stafford endured his fair share of hits in Detroit and was one of the toughest guys in the NFL during that time -- and he still is.
Chicago better be ready to get as loud as ever at Soldier Field and hope that the home-field advantage, combined with the cold temperatures, is enough to significantly impact Stafford.
We already know Stafford is a lifelong dome quarterback. He does not play as well in outdoor stadiums when temperatures decline. In games where there is rain or snow, Stafford's career record is 1-9. That's startling.
So, we've got an injured finger on the throwing hand, frigid temperatures, and a road game for Stafford.
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At this point, it is safe to say that Bears fans are going to be praying for some type of precipitation. If they get it, that almost guarantees a Bears win, if history is any indication.
Start those prayers now, Bears fans. Let's hope for snow.